Salvation Army Partnership Supports Homeless Veterans

When you consider the fact that Canada is a highly developed country, it’s hard to believe that 2,250 Canadian veterans are homeless and that they will face Remembrance Day on the street.

In an effort to address the issue of homelessness among veterans, The Salvation Army Centre of Hope in Halifax has partnered with Veterans Emergency Transition Services (VETS Canada) to provide transitional housing and other supports.

“Returning to civilian life can be very difficult for someone who has faced trauma and crisis,” says Rebekah Brounstein, Residential Coordinator. “Our primary role is to provide shelter and 24-hour assistance. Other supports include food, clothing, access to primary health care services and help to find stable and affordable housing.”

The first of its kind in Atlantic Canada, this pilot project provides two short-term accessible housing units to support veterans who have served in the Canadian Armed Forces or the RCMP. The Salvation Army and VETS Canada are also providing a holistic circle of care approach to help support their emotional and spiritual needs.

Following the Housing First model, this project uses a transformational approach, quickly accommodating individuals with housing and connecting them with community-based supports to secure a long-term housing solution.

“The Salvation Army is thrilled to come alongside VETS Canada to help make transitional housing for Veterans possible,” says Major Vaden Vincent, Executive Director for the Centre of Hope. “Together we are providing much-needed services to vulnerable people in our community.”

“Veterans keep us safe,” says Brounstein. “This is the least we can do for their service.”